The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye has reiterated the pivotal importance of education in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation at the university’s 23rd convocation held on Friday.
The Vice-Chancellor underscored that a strong educational foundation is essential for fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and ultimately leading to sustainable economic growth in the country.
Ezemonye stated that Nigeria is navigating a period of significant economic transformation, stressing that the role of education in this journey can not be overstated.
Ezemonye spoke while addressing the graduates during the 23rd convocation lecture of the institution in Okada, Edo State.
He highlighted the significance of the lecture’s theme, “The Nexus between Education and National Prosperity in a Transformative Economy,” asserting its relevance to current challenges.
Ezemonye described the convocation lecture as an essential intellectual platform that goes beyond traditional graduation ceremonies to address pressing societal issues.
“Convocation lecture serves as a pivotal intellectual platform, a forum where we transcend the boundaries of conventional learning to confront and contemplate the pressing issues of our time.
“The theme chosen for this year’s lecture, “the nexus between education and national prosperity in a transformative economy, ” is both timely and profoundly relevant.
“As a nation, Nigeria is navigating a period of significant economic transformation, and the role of education in this journey can not be overstated.
“Comtemporary research consistently affirms that education is not merely a social good but a powerful catalyst for economic prosperity and social progress. It is, therefore, with great expectation that we await the insights of our guest lecturer, a man whose current portfolio and personal conviction place him at the heart of this critical discussion. ” Ezemonye said.
Delivering the 23rd convocation lecture of the institution, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu said education remains key in unlocking opportunities, adding that education ensures social mobility and reduces inequality.
Sununu also emphasized the need for Nigerian graduates to embrace skill acquisition to complement their education, just as he commended Igbinedion University Okada for prioritizing entrepreneurship studies at the undergraduate level.
